Amtrak names Gardner, Winbigler to new exec roles

Amtrak has named Tracie Winbigler executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Stephen Gardner chief operating and commercial officer.

Winbigler, who will join Amtrak on June 24, will be responsible for Amtrak's finance, treasury, accounting and control functions. Most recently, she was CFO at Recreational Equipment Inc., where she led the financial, procurement, and asset protection teams for the $2.7 billion cooperative. Before that, she spent three years at National Geographic, joining the company as CFO and later promoted to chief operating officer.

“Tracie is an accomplished financial executive with experience developing and implementing strategy,” said Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson in a press release. "Her leadership skills and financial knowledge will be instrumental as we continue to work toward eliminating our net operating loss."

Gardner will serve in the newly created role of chief operating and commercial officer effective immediately, reporting directly to Anderson. Gardner will be responsible for Amtrak's day-to-day operations; drive delivery of the annual operating plan; and strengthen coordination between functions across the railroad, Amtrak officials said.

Specifically, he will oversee Amtrak's operations, administration, marketing, strategy and planning, information technology, product development and customer experience, government affairs and corporate communications functions.

“Stephen has played a pivotal role in Amtrak’s record operating performance, increased ridership and improved customer amenities,” Anderson said. “With this expanded role, Stephen will also oversee the day-to-day operations of the company and ensure continued growth and success.”